This weekend, two prayer services were held in Mount Greenwood to call for the peaceful resolutions of conflicts that have recently plagued our community. The services, one held at Saint Christina Church and another at Crosswinds Church, drew hundreds of area residents. At each gathering, our neighbors pledged to work with each other to promote understanding and unity.
I attended both of these ceremonies and they showcased the true nature of our great neighborhood. Ours is a community of faith and families, and it is a community that I am proud to live in and represent. We are also a community that ardently supports our brave first responders and one that values diversity. Sadly, these values, which are the very foundation of our community, have been largely ignored in media coverage.
It is regrettable that the peaceful gatherings that occurred this weekend received little coverage from the downtown media. It appears we live in a time when attention is paid to the loudest voice or the angriest social media post, not news of people working together to solve problems. Regardless of any media portrayal, this community stands together in good times and bad.
For the past nine days, I have worked closely with the Chicago Police Department to not only ensure the safety of our community, but also redirect these energies in a more productive manner. To that end, on Friday I met with a group that was planning a demonstration at Marist High School. Through our dialogue, we agreed to host a meeting with local faith leaders in lieu of another demonstration.
This Sunday, another demonstration is being planned at 111th & Kedzie Ave. Throughout the week, I will be working closely with the Chicago Police Department to maintain public safety. All Americans have a constitutional right to protest; I would ask anyone who decides to participate in such a demonstration to do so peacefully and respectfully. I urge everyone not to further burden law enforcement by spreading rumors or using divisive rhetoric. Engaging in any type of dispute with protesters will only fuel conflict, invite more demonstrations, and make it more difficult for the police to maintain peace.
Sincerely,
Matthew J. O'Shea
Alderman, 19th Ward
